There’s nothing like a bad hair day to put a dampener on your spirits, and according to a recent poll by Redbook, 74 per cent of women admit that their locks failing to cooperate makes them instantly feel less confident. But sometimes, it feels like we have little control over our hair, and that it quite simply has a mind of its own.
Thankfully, that’s not the case – and while you might feel like you’re doing all you can to keep your strands in shape, the chances are that there are some extra tips and tricks you could incorporate into your routine that will make all the difference.
Damaged hair is often the cause of the unruly look, and dullness, drying, breakage and frizz are all telltale signs. Keeping your hair healthy isn’t easy, and requires a fair amount of dedication – but that fresh-out-of-the-salon look is enough to have anyone feeling like a million dollars, and with a little care and attention, you could soon find yourself waking up like that every day.
Here, we take a look at some of the best-kept secrets to the healthier, shinier, stronger and bouncier hair you’ve always dreamed of – and best of all, you can easily get started today.
Nourish from within
A healthy, balanced diet that is packed with a broad range of vitamins and minerals is the foundation of healthy hair, skin and nails – so be sure to incorporate plenty of fruit, vegetables and wholegrains into your daily nutrition. It’s also worth considering adding some supplements to your diet to give hair an extra boost – Bloommy Keratin Vitamins are packed with biotin, keratin and collagen to promote healthy growth and keep hair strong and shiny.
Because hair is made up of protein, it’s essential to get enough of it in your diet – so add meat, eggs, nuts, seeds or tofu to each meal for an extra boost and you’ll be surprised at the benefits you’ll start to see over time.
Brush before you shower
Lathering up that luxury shampoo in the shower certainly feels – and smells – good, but it can quickly cause friction and tangling. Brushing your hair through gently beforehand can minimise this and the need to rake a comb through your locks after you emerge – which, considering how much weaker and more vulnerable hair is when wet, is pretty important.
Regular brushing will also keep your hair looking shinier by distributing the naturally produced oils from your scalp down to the ends, smoothing the shaft and eliminating that frustrating dullness that can quickly ruin any healthy-hair look.
Hydrate and condition
Keeping hair hydrated is vital to maintain its health – but many people don’t realise that it all starts from within. Making sure you’re drinking enough water can make a huge difference when it comes to hair health, so be sure to get your two litres a day or more.
Of course, the second step to hydrated hair is regular conditioning – but remember that less is more. Whilst it can be tempting to smother your hair in your latest luxury buy every time you shower, you only need around a 2p-coin-sized amount. Work it from the mid-lengths down to the ends, and make sure to leave it for the full three minutes before rinsing thoroughly with warm water.
Consider hair extensions
Are hair extensions bad for your hair? The good news is that these days, the answer is no – provided you have a quality set applied by an experienced professional, and look after them carefully. With this in mind, hair extensions can be a great option for those dealing with thinning hair or breakage and will provide added thickness, volume and bounce. Visit your preferred salon for a consultation, and your stylist will be able to colour match you so that your extensions blend seamlessly in with your natural hair, covering any breakage and giving you the luscious locks of your dreams.
There are a variety of different options to choose from, including tape-in extensions, clip-in extensions and sew-in extensions. Your stylist will be able to recommend the best kind to suit your needs, but be sure to see someone who is experienced in the application and removal of hair extensions to ensure you’re in the safest and most talented possible hands.
